A 38-year-old Winnipeg man is facing a number of charges in connection with a stolen property investigation and outstanding warrants.

According to a press release from the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS), around 7:00 p.m. Thursday, the suspect entered an auto body shop in the 400 block of St. Mary’s Road. Police said the individual stole a customer’s SUV that was parked inside the store and drove it through the top door.

Damage costs are estimated at approximately $10,000.

Half an hour later, police say the suspect drove the stolen car to a home improvement store in Abinoji Mikanah, where he stole about $3,000 worth of tools.

Around 9pm, police found the stolen car abandoned in the city’s Niakawa district. The suspect was found nearby with the tools and was detained by police.

The man initially provided a false name, but investigators were able to identify him, linking him to several outstanding warrants.

Stefan James Nevistiuk, aged 38, was accused of the following crimes: breaking and entering to commit theft; identity fraud with intent to avoid arrest; operating a means of transport while prohibited; possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000; and theft under $5,000.

There were five arrest warrants, specifically for failure to comply with probation; identity fraud; theft of a motor vehicle; public evil; and failure to present a driver’s license.

Nevistiuk was taken into custody.